2020 has, at times, been a year which seems to have lasted forever. On the other hand, there have also been moments when it feels like it has flashed by in the blink of an eye. It has certainly proved to be a year of two halves.

When focusing on the buy-to-let and housing markets, there are many reasons to be optimistic moving into the new year. Whilst we can’t, or shouldn’t, gloss over how tough the past nine months have been, we – as a company – feel we are in a stronger place than ever. The dedication, flexibility, drive and skill shown by all our people throughout this time has been truly inspirational.

Some of this hard work was recently reflected in Dynamo being awarded the title of Buy-to-Let Broker of the Year at the prestigious Mortgage Introducer Awards and we’ve been fortunate to receive a number of other industry accolades throughout the year. Recognition which has certainly helped raise our spirits in some of the darker times.

Looking at current market conditions, the housing market has shown huge resilience and the UK’s demand for property has not been suppressed. Recent data from Rightmove even suggests that house prices are set to rise by 4% in 2021, as housing priorities stay high on people’s life agendas.

Some highly competitive products remain across the BTL and specialist lending markets. Generally speaking, lenders have coped well with the challenges they have faced and have come back even stronger over the second half of the year to supply landlords, investors and developers with product ranges to meet all their property-related needs. This is no mean feat in the current economic conditions and shows just how important the private rented sector will continue to be.

Here at Dynamo for Intermediaries, we realise that good, professional advice and additional support for all types of clients will be even more important than ever in 2021 and we will be doing all we can to continue improving our offering throughout the year. And let me take this opportunity to thank you for all your ongoing support over 2020 and to wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year.